I had the opportunity to take my first "Free Supercharging" trip to Austin, which is about 660 miles round trip in my 2023 Model 3 RWD. It has a nice full range of 264 miles which is a improvement over my previous 2021 Model 3 SR+ with a range of 230 miles.
With a full charge it was pretty easy to get to the Three Rivers Supercharger, 163 miles. Weather was mild in March so the range was improved without the heat and the winds. The computer said I could charge fully there and get to Austin, but I cut it short to charge in San Marcos, which was pretty easy. Surprisingly there was a huge line on the exit to get to the New Braunfels Buc-ee's and Supercharge, so I drove the extra 10 miles to San Marcos. Lot of good charging options as you get to the Austin area. Once in Austin, I checked out the Sunset Valley Supercharger but it was slow due to high capacity so I just topped off. Would not recommend that particular charger.
Not much driving around Austin, and I made my way back 2 days later. On the way back I went right by the South Interstate 35 Supercharger (I-35 and Slaughter Lane) so I got a top off there. Right by a Target, @vanjwilson which was particularly nice inside.
Then I hit the remaining chargers for some quick stops, New Braunfels' (the aforementioned Buc-ee's) where I saw a Cybertruck leaving, Three Rivers again, and a final stop in Alice, TX. The Alice Supercharger is off the main N/S Highway 281 so it does not get much traffic. As a result I got my best charging numbers there and was in and out in 5 minutes. Back home with 30 miles to spare.
An extra stop or two is no big deal to me, and it is pretty nice to know there is a free benefit, at least until June (end of 6 month free Supercharging period).
In short it is probably worth it to upgrade just for the free Supercharging benefit that is currently being offered. It's going to be LONG time before any other charging system gets even close to catching up with Tesla. So in the meantime, enjoy the surplus!
"Austin - Frontage Road" 9500 S IH Frontage Road (near Target)
Cybertruck in New Braunfels, TX
Alice TX Supercharger
With a full charge it was pretty easy to get to the Three Rivers Supercharger, 163 miles. Weather was mild in March so the range was improved without the heat and the winds. The computer said I could charge fully there and get to Austin, but I cut it short to charge in San Marcos, which was pretty easy. Surprisingly there was a huge line on the exit to get to the New Braunfels Buc-ee's and Supercharge, so I drove the extra 10 miles to San Marcos. Lot of good charging options as you get to the Austin area. Once in Austin, I checked out the Sunset Valley Supercharger but it was slow due to high capacity so I just topped off. Would not recommend that particular charger.
Not much driving around Austin, and I made my way back 2 days later. On the way back I went right by the South Interstate 35 Supercharger (I-35 and Slaughter Lane) so I got a top off there. Right by a Target, @vanjwilson which was particularly nice inside.
Then I hit the remaining chargers for some quick stops, New Braunfels' (the aforementioned Buc-ee's) where I saw a Cybertruck leaving, Three Rivers again, and a final stop in Alice, TX. The Alice Supercharger is off the main N/S Highway 281 so it does not get much traffic. As a result I got my best charging numbers there and was in and out in 5 minutes. Back home with 30 miles to spare.
An extra stop or two is no big deal to me, and it is pretty nice to know there is a free benefit, at least until June (end of 6 month free Supercharging period).
In short it is probably worth it to upgrade just for the free Supercharging benefit that is currently being offered. It's going to be LONG time before any other charging system gets even close to catching up with Tesla. So in the meantime, enjoy the surplus!
"Austin - Frontage Road" 9500 S IH Frontage Road (near Target)
Cybertruck in New Braunfels, TX
Alice TX Supercharger
